January 30, 2012

Lansing mayor insults Indians

By Angela WittrockMayor Virg Bernero used racial slurs and profanity to describe the spokesperson of two Native American tribes opposing his plans for a $245 million downtown Lansing casino, the tribes alleged in a press release Monday.

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi say Bernero made the remarks at his annual State of the City preview breakfast, held Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Lansing Center.

"The man walked on stage with a target on his back," Frank Cloutier, a spokesperson for the tribes said. "He was saying some pretty disparaging things about Native American culture, and he referred to our coalition spokesperson, James Nye, as Chief Chicken Little."

Nye is the spokesperson for a coalition of tribes and casinos opposed to the proposed Lansing casino, which would be owned and operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

The Saginaw tribe is the only tribe in Michigan that refers to its highest authority as chief.

"Historically, the word chief honors our ancestors and those who came before us. Mr. Bernero disrespected our whole culture and history," he said.

“I’ve been in a lot of debates but never been personally attacked,” he said. “This is embarrassing … pretty disgusting.”

Bernero was not available to comment. But his office issued a statement at midday Monday saying the mayor disagreed with his critics.

"My passionate support for Lansing and our casino project may have gotten the better of me, but none of my remarks were directed toward Native Americans, and nothing I said can fairly be construed as a racial slur,” he said. “I make no apologies for using strong language against our opponents … but I do offer my heartfelt and sincere apology to any and all who were offended by my choice of words.”Comment: Actually, it's quite easy to construe Bernero's remarks as racial slurs. And to construe his "heartfelt and sincere apology" as a political gambit.